Review medication policies and procedures regarding access and storage
Ensure children are given proper care and that medication is stored and administered appropriately.
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ECE policies and procedures
ECE policies and procedures
Review your policies and procedures to align with the HS28 Medicine administration.
Your policy should include:
- the name/s of who has authority to give medication
- where medication will be safely stored and easily accessed by an adult when needed
- a system for gaining written authority from parents
- a system for recording medication stored and dosage to be given – name of child and the amount of medicine to be given
- a review time for checking that stored medication has not expired.
School policies and procedures
School policies and procedures
Provide quick and safe access to allergy medications.
Your policy should include:
- the name/s of who has authority to give medication
- where medication will be safely stored and easily accessed by an adult when needed
- a system for gaining written authority from parents
- a system for recording medication stored and dosage to be given – name of student and the amount of medicine to be given
- a review time for checking that stored medication has not expired.
Age appropriate access
Age appropriate access
Older students may prefer to carry their auto-injector EpiPen themselves with the agreement of their parents and the school.
Support students to self-manage by:
- ensuring someone else knows where their EpiPen is kept in the event of an emergency
- working with students to store EpiPens in safe (for example, out of the sun) and easy to access locations
- working with students to find out if they will carry their own medication to, from, and at school.
Adrenaline auto-injectors
Adrenaline auto-injectors
Adrenaline auto-injectors contain a single, fixed dose of adrenaline.
Adrenaline auto-injectors are designed for use by anyone, including people who are not medically trained.
In New Zealand, there are two doses of adrenaline auto-injectors available:
- EpiPen®Jr (usually prescribed for children 10-20 kg.)
- EpiPen® (usually prescribed for adults and children over 20 kg.)
EpiPen management checklist
EpiPen management checklist
EpiPens contain life-saving medication (adrenaline).
- Adrenaline auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, should be kept out of the reach of small children. However, they must be readily available and NOT kept in a locked cupboard.
- An ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis should always be stored with an adrenaline auto-injector.
- EpiPens contain a clear window near the tip where you can check to see if the adrenaline is discoloured or contains sediment. If this is the case, the device should be replaced as the adrenaline may be less effective.
- Store adrenaline auto-injectors away from direct sources of heat and sunlight.
- Establish a process for checking that the EpiPen has not expired.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Agreement to administer medication
This is a guideline for schools on what to include in an agreement form for the administration of a child or young person’s medication.
Download PDF
Medication placement at school: Anaphylaxis
Read time: 2 min
This help sheet provides advice about storing and accessing adrenaline.
Publisher: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Download PDF
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures”:
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Allergies and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Recognise and respond to allergic reactionsShow suggestions for Recognise and respond to allergic reactions
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Develop and implement health and safety policies and proceduresShow suggestions for Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures
- Review your enrolment policies
- Review your incident register
- Review food safety policies
- Review medication policies
- Plan safe trips
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Create inclusive systemsShow suggestions for Create inclusive systems
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Create an inclusive learning environmentShow suggestions for Create an inclusive learning environment
